§ 62 Mr. Awberyasked the Minister of Food when the first consignment of rabbits is due from abroad; and if he will make arrangements for a more equitable distribution of these rabbits, by allocate- 1926 ing them to butchers and traders, according to the number of registered customers they have on their books.
§ Sir B. SmithFrozen rabbits from Australia and New Zealand have been purchased by my Department each year since 1943. I assume that my hon. Friend's inquiry relates to the current season's pack, the first consignment of which arrived in London on 31st March. I regret that I am unable to adopt the suggestion in the latter part of the Question as imported rabbits are handled by many traders such as fishmongers and greengrocers with whom registration is not necessary. I am satisfied that the existing arrangements afford a reasonably fair distribution of the limited supplies which are available.